Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has called for a unified approach to witness protection across Africa, urging agencies to deepen cooperation to effectively safeguard witnesses involved in high-risk and cross-border cases.
Speaking at the 3rd Regional Africa Witness Protection Association Conference, Ingonga said stronger coordination among African states was essential to strengthening justice systems and ensuring that witnesses are protected from intimidation and retaliation.
The conference brought together officials from witness protection agencies in Kenya, South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania and Namibia under the theme, “Strengthening Witness Protection in Africa: Experiences, Challenges and Prospects.”
Ingonga said a cohesive continental framework would not only simplify engagement between agencies but also enhance mutual support in handling sensitive matters.
He stressed that collaboration was central to bolstering the rule of law, particularly in cases involving transnational crime and corruption.
“A united front is crucial in addressing the complex threats witnesses face today,” he said, emphasising the need for shared strategies and synchronised efforts across jurisdictions.
Kenya’s Director of Witness Protection, Jedidah Waruhiu, commended the participation of her regional counterparts, noting that their collective experience was vital in addressing emerging threats.
She called on agencies to harness partnerships and adopt proactive, adaptive approaches that ensure witnesses remain shielded from intimidation, reprisals and exposure.
“Our commitment to witness safety must evolve with the challenges we face. Continuous dialogue and joint initiatives are essential in developing solutions that reinforce our protection frameworks,” Waruhiu said.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya, assured participants of the Judiciary’s cooperation in guaranteeing that witnesses under protection are provided a safe and supportive environment when appearing in court.
She affirmed that witness welfare is integral to the integrity of the justice process.
“The judiciary remains committed to upholding fair and secure processes for all witnesses. We will ensure protected witnesses are afforded an environment that respects their dignity, safety, and legal rights,” Mokaya stated.
The conference aims to establish shared standards for witness protection in Africa, explore technological innovations that can enhance security, and strengthen long-term collaboration among agencies.
Delegates are expected to highlight gaps, compare national experiences and chart a path towards more resilient protection systems that can withstand evolving threats.
The three-day meeting is seen as a critical step toward building a more harmonised regional framework capable of supporting witnesses whose testimonies are essential to delivering justice across the continent.
